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Terrorism Down on the Farm

October 17, 2001

Amid the torrent of terrorism news, one angle that's been overlooked is agroterrorism -- using biological agents as weapons against crops or livestock. Anthrax is just one of a vast array of nasty bugs that could wreak havoc with the food supply and agribusiness. Also, crop dusters could be used to harm crops as well as people.

An agroterrorism incident would resemble a natural outbreak of disease or blight -- except that the event probably would be timed for maximum damage, most likely at the beginning or middle of the growing/grazing season (rather than at harvest time). Much of the info in Tipsheet's May 2, 2001, backgrounder on foot-and-mouth disease would be relevant to possible agroterrorism coverage.

The main impact of agroterrorism probably would be economic -- but zoonotic (animal-borne) agents can sicken both livestock and humans. Quarantines and carcass or crop destruction can present environmental concerns. Also, biodiversity has been steadily decreasing in US agriculture, increasing the risk exposure for disease.

On Oct. 2, 2001, the American Farm Bureau asked President Bush to appoint an agroterrorism specialist within the new Office of Homeland Security. Mace Thornton (847-685-8755) or Christopher Noun (202-484-3612). News release.